He - Perspective/Viewpoint

Introduction

2 Kings 6:17 “And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

The symbol He represents the frame of a window, just as Daleth represents a door. We look out of a window to see the world around us, thus it gives us perspective. In our previous four studies we have learned about decisions and how critical it is for us to make our decisions in accordance with God’s words, God’s will and God’s ways. Behind our decisions we make are our perspectives, which give us priorities in life. There are only two perspectives to life - either divine or human.

A divine viewpoint is clearly revealed in God’s Word and is, therefore, simple and unified. A human viewpoint is complex, inconsistent, and contradictory. This is because divine viewpoint is based on objective and absolute truth, while human viewpoint is too often subjective, emotion-driven, and shallow. Since how we view the world determines how we live in the world, it is crucial that we gain God’s perspective.

He - Psalm 119:33-40 The LORD is my Perspective

Teach Me - (vv.33-34) Our captive speaks to us now concerning the necessity of spiritual growth for a right perception of the world, which we call a world-view. This desire to be taught of the Lord runs through this entire Psalm. However, we must realize that learning is never an end in itself. Our captive progresses from learning, to understanding, to obedience. This process cannot be facilitated by human intellect, but only by the Spirit of God, working in the receptive soul. a proper world-view begins with a sound biblical education received in submission to the inner ministry of the Spirit of God.

Incline - (vv.35-37) The word incline is used for the act of bowing down to worship. Our captive is asking God to cause a change in his inner life. There is a tremendous difference in the perspective of our captive with much going on in Christianity today, where even our popular Christian songs are filled with the phrases “I will …. I will not” but very little “make me to be.” We need less of “I” and more of “Christ,” mixed with a humble realization that “I can’t but He can.” Our heart must be inclined, before the eyes are turned, from worthless things and the soul is revived. Again “revive” is another word that is repeated in this Psalm.

Establish - (vv.38-40) The idea is to build something on a firm foundation.

2 Samuel 7:25 “And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said.”

This is the same word as “strengthen” just in a different form. The request that God will establish His Word to our captive implies power of recalling God’s Word. It is extremely important that we not only saturate our souls with God’s Word, but also we need to review and recall what we have learned. Always remember, it’s not what you know that makes the difference in a crisis; it is what you can’t forget!

New Testament Confirmation

Digestion - “Facts are like a recipe. Truth is like a meal. You don’t eat the cookbook; you eat the meal. Digest a truth, and it will change your life.” - Adrain Rogers

Every believer must learn that service follows - and flows from - the learning of God’s Word. It is never, ever, to take the place of spiritual growth.

Luke 10:41–42 “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Discernment - We will never acquire divine perspective apart from divine illumination.

Ephesians 1:18 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

Decreasing - The inner transformation that brings about God’s perspective on life is the result of the diminishing of self and the exaltation of Jesus Christ in our lives.

John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”